On December 24th, 2011, Hometown Happenings organized the Santa Walk & Run. It was a beautiful December morning and close to 200 people came out to participate in this local holiday tradition. The Run was started in 1982 by just a few Santas who wished to spread holiday cheer as they ran through town in full Santa suits. It remains a fun tradition today and always brings smiles to the faces of onlookers and those driving by.

This year a walk was added and participants could vote on which Northwest Indiana charity they wish to have benefit from the proceeds. Well, the results are in and here are the winners!

At #3 is the Southlake YMCA. They are hoping to use their share of the proceeds to provide equipment for their kids activity room.

At #2 is St. Mary’s Catholic Community School in Crown Point. Hopefully, they can use the money to provide much needed equipment for their classrooms.

At #1 is St. Jude House, a domestic violence shelter located in Crown Point, IN. They hope to use the money to update their Kids Playroom.

Thank You to everyone who came out for the Santa Walk & Run! You made the Santa Walk & run a success! It’s because of your support that we are able to make a difference in the lives of many kids for many years to come! An “extra” donation will also be made to a local anima shelter as many, many people came out to support animals!

For many years, there were just 3 “Santas” who ran every Christmas Eve morning in full Santa suits. You may have seen us. Last year, we had around 60 runners join us in all styles of holiday wear as we raised money for the local animal shelter. This year will be our biggest turn out yet and its success is because of YOU! Thank you! You will not only have a great time, but you will be supporting some worthy local charities as well.

Registration begins at 8 am at Carriage Court. Come early so we can check everyone in. Walgreens is providing Santa hats to the first 50 who register. But, even if you don’t get a hat, there are lots of giveaways from our sponsors including running shirts from the YMCA and a $10 coupon for the Hub Bootery. After the event, carolers from the high school’s “Women’s Advance Chorus” will perform and refreshments will be provided by Carriage Court Pizza.

We have added a bake sale! If you are able, please bring an item to sell and those proceeds will benefit local charities as well.

During the walk and run, please be safe and watch your children. The streets will NOT be closed down, but both the walk and run will have a police escort. The run is a very slow pace so we stay together as a group. Besides, it gives us more time to wave at the onlookers! If you need to drop out of the group, please go to the sidewalk and stay off the road.

Again, thanks for the great response and I will see you Christmas Eve morning!